Download Short Case 11: An Information Technology Implementation Challenge

Running head: SHORT CASE 11: AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Short Case 11: An Information Technology Implementation Challenge
Sandra Thorson
University of Mary
BUS 630 Week 5 Assignment
January 31, 2016
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SHORT CASE 11: AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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Short Case 11: An Information Technology Implementation Challenge
Health care is changing rapidly. In order to meet the demands of patients as well as
regulations determined by the government, it will be beneficial for health care organizations to
adopt electronic medical records (EMRs) to manage patient health information. An in-depth
analysis of an EMR implementation would behoove the summer resident. It would be beneficial
to study EMRs to see what information they can store such as the individual patient’s health
record, tests or procedures and results as well as any future appointments which would be
advantageous to all health care providers (Zandieh, Yoon-Flannery, Kuperman, Langsam, &
Kaushal, 2008). An assessment of the current network infrastructure will be necessary
information to gather from the IT department to see if system upgrades would be necessary to
support a new EMR (Duckert & Dinh Rose, 2013). It would be more efficient for the summer
resident to establish a task force to include all possible end users in assistance with the review
process and also in determining what the staff would like to see in the EMR. Including the staff
will assist in buy-in and empowerment which may help to make the transition easier.
Dr. Johnson should express the importance of staying relevant with the pace of
technology. In order to stay current with the patient’s expectations an EMR is necessary to
practice in today’s medicine. Advantages to health care workers include real time
communication with patients, having the ability to review their medical history, collaborating
with multidiscipline to further advance care and treatment, prescription management as well as
preventative health care coaching Patients may also see benefits such as results of tests or
procedures will be received in a more timely manner, scheduling their own appointments,
communication with providers during non-office hours as well as being accountable for their
own health maintenance. Technology allows patients the capability to download apps on
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personal electronic devices that can combine medical data from their health records with their
personal tracking of such items as glucose, weight, blood pressure and activity log to provide
them with a comprehensive health outlook (Van Doornik, 2013). Evidence that could be used to
support an EMR integration could include testimony from physicians, end users and patients as
well as representatives of the software manufacturers and health care organizations who have
went through the process. Possibly another organization or physician may be willing to share
information in regards to the cost of implementing the system, possible cost savings in the future
as well as an increase in efficiency which may actually allow the physician to see more patients
per day which would increase earnings.
The adoption of an EMR system would improve the efficiency of the control systems
currently in place at Geneva Health System (GHS). A major benefit would be legible
documentation which would reduce time spent by physicians, such as Dr. Smith, in reviewing a
patient’s chart. Order sets or standards for specific diseases or conditions may make certain that
all protocols are being followed as well as the correct medications are being ordered for the
individual patient. The efficiency of referring patients to multidisciplines would be increased as
all care providers would have instant access to the same information regarding each individual
patient. Some individuals would struggle with the adaption to change and may be intimidated
by new software and advances in technology. There may be a few individuals that feel they are
just losing control and have no say in the decision (Scheck McAlearney & Kovner, 2013). These
individuals are thinking of themselves and are not demonstrating concern for the efficiency of
the organization.
Both positive and negative comments can be learned from working with organizations
and individuals who have gone through the process. Advantages could be discussed such as
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efficiency, increased productivity, increased communication and the aggregation of data. It
should be noted of the financial burden of both the program itself and the allotment of extra
training hours needed in order to provide staff with the necessary education to be comfortable
with the software. Current users may also advise on an implementation strategy and how to
efficiently apply each section for the benefit of all end users. Individuals to include in the
conversation regarding experiences would be the CEO and CNO, representatives from the
financial team, the IT department, providers, end users and patients. This would provide a wide
range of input from both sides.
Success factors would include doctor, staff and patient buy in for the EMR as well as
adequate funding for the implementation. Managerial support for all levels of execution is also
necessary. The projected revenue growth should be contrasted to the estimated expense of the
new system and any new upgrades to the current infrastructure. An invested staff will guarantee
success and reduce turnover which will also decrease the necessity for retraining and costly
turnover. Gradual system implementation will be a key to the success of the operation of the
system. A critical factor would be that all staff and users of the system receive thorough and
adequate training prior to the activation of the EMR. Patients should also receive education so
they are able to monitor and take accountability for their health record. It is the mission of an
organization and new technology to create a collaborative effort to provide the best patient care
and treatment outcomes.
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References
Duckert, J., & Dinh Rose, A. (2013, February). Embracing the EHRs challenges and benefits
Grace Award Winner Reviews EHR implementation best practices. American Health
Information Management Association, 84, 42-43. Retrieved from http://701ezproxy2.bismarck.lib.nd.us:2242/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=7&sid=f6729d7fd4cc-4f1f-bb04-67a9cb0c110e%40sessionmgr4002&hid=4214
Scheck McAlearney, A., & Kovner, A. R. (2013). Health Services Management Cases Readings
and Commentary (10th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.
Van Doornik, W. (2013, October). Meaningful use of patient-generated data in EHRs. Journal of
AHIMA, 84, 30-36. Retrieved from http://701ezproxy2.bismarck.lib.nd.us:2242/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=13&sid=f6729d7fd4cc-4f1f-bb04-67a9cb0c110e%40sessionmgr4002&hid=4214
Zandieh, S. O., Yoon-Flannery, K., Kuperman, G. J., Langsam, D. J., & Kaushal, R. (2008,
June). Challenges to EHR implementation in electronic - versus paper-based office
practices. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 23, 755-761.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0573-5